Do you ever just feel stuck? Unsure of your next move? Directionless?

You feel like you don’t need therapy, but your other self-care strategies (journalling, meditation) aren’t enough right now.

We’ve all felt this way at some point. It’s normal! But to get the ball rolling again, it might be time to try a life coach.

What does a life coach actually do?

Life coaches are designed to help you navigate life’s various challenges. Their scope can be broad, depending on your goals. They can help you navigate your career, health problems, relationships, family dynamics, mental blocks, and more.

how does life coaching differ from therapy?

Life coaching and therapy are very different. Coaching is not a substitute for therapy. This is important to understand before heading into your coaching session. Many therapists also branch into coaching.

Here are some key areas where they differ:

Focus areas and goals. Coaching focuses more on the present and future: you set goals and action plans to focus on your personal growth and become the best version of yourself. Coaching might be ideal for someone looking for a shift. Therapy focuses more on past experiences. You address mental health concerns and past experiences that might be hindering your present life. Both are necessary—it just depends on what state of life you’re in.
Qualifications. It is highly recommended to seek out a coach who has had some formal coach training. Many people call themselves a ‘coach’ yet some don’t have the skills or processes required for effective coaching. Seek out skilled coaches with credentials from an accredited organization, such as the International Federation of Coaching. Qualifications are mandatory for therapists. Therapists may receive designations as registered clinical counsellors, psychologists, or social workers, depending on where the location.
Scope. Coaches can cover a broad range of scopes, such as career, relationships, family, mental blocks, daily life challenges, past and present experiences, and more. While therapists do too, coaching is in less of a clinical health setting.

While both work hand in hand, therapy might be better suited for someone wanting to overcome a past experience, while coaching might be better for someone wanting a change to amplify their ability to flourish more in life. And more often than not, they complement one another!

What can I expect from working with a life coach?

Each coach will structure their sessions differently. Here are some common themes:

Initial session. This is an intake session to understand you, discuss your goals, and identify your ideal results at the end of your sessions.
Recurring sessions. These vary depending on your goals. However, a common thread throughout coaching sessions is active listening. Coaches ask powerful questions and listen to you. Coaches are trained not to give advice: instead, they help you uncover the answers within yourself. It is like they ‘mine your mind’ and act as a thought partner.
An accountability partner. Coaching will help you set up a plan for the next steps in your life, depending on your challenges. Coaches are excellent accountability partners to keep you on track and support you along the way.
Homework. Some coaches may have homework for you to do, depending on what you’re working on. This typically involves exercises or reflections to do in your own time to help you progress.

A supportive environment. No matter what you’re struggling with, coaching is an objective, non-judgemental process. Your coach is trained to hold space for you to unearth new insights to recurring problems. They are here to listen and support you.
Empowerment. Your coach is here to embolden you to be the best version of yourself. You might uncover aspects you didn’t know about yourself. By the end of your sessions, you will feel confident and empowered.

how do I know if I need to work with a life coach?

While there is no guaranteed way to know, here are some telltale signs you might benefit from working with a coach:

Feeling lost, stuck, or in a rut
A lack of motivation
Struggling to make difficult life decisions, such as in your career or relationship
Limiting beliefs that are holding you back
Needing support moving forward from various life challenges
Feeling like you haven’t reached your full potential and want guidance getting there
Wanting to improve specific areas of your life, such as communication skills or stress management

how many sessions with a life coach do i need?

It all depends on you and your needs. Some prefer weekly sessions, others bi-weekly, and some prefer a case-by-case basis until their needs are met. It’s completely up to you.

do sessions have to be in person?

Absolutely not! Here at enso, all of our coaching sessions are remote via Zoom or phone call. You can take your coaching call from anywhere in the world.

How can i find the right coach?

Finding the right coach can be like dating. It can take time to find someone you click with! To speed up the process, look at a coach’s qualifications, values, interests, communication styles, background, and focus areas to see if they’re the right match. Many coaches offer 15-30-minute free introductory calls—take advantage of these to see if you’re a good fit for one another.

coaching at enso

Here at Enso, our founder, Dori Howard, is a certified executive , leadership and life coach with decades of experience. Her background spans healthcare and leadership, both of which she holistically integrates into her sessions. With this experience, she is skilled and qualified to help you become a stronger version of you.

Interested in learning more? Schedule a free introductory call!

What Can I Expect From a Life Coaching Session?